Relive the excitement of the top 5 MMA fights of 2023. From brutal finishes to epic battles, these matchups left fans in awe. Check out the unforgettable moments that defined the year in mixed martial arts.
| Ranking | Fight | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Geoff Neal vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov | UFC 285 |
| 4 | Cody Gibson vs. Brad Katona | UFC 292 |
| 3 | Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski | UFC 284 |
| 2 | Irene Aldana vs. Karol Rosa | UFC 296 |
| 1 | Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2 | UFC 290 |
Relive the excitement of the top 5 MMA fights of 2023. These unforgettable battles showcased the heart, skill, and determination of the athletes involved. From brutal finishes to epic showdowns, these matchups left fans in awe and solidified the flyweight division as one of the most entertaining in MMA.
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the most thrilling and intense moments in the world of mixed martial arts. The major promotions, including the UFC, Bellator, PFL, and ONE Championship, have delivered some incredible matchups that left fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s dive into the top five MMA fights of 2023 that will be remembered for years to come.
| Ranking | Fight | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Geoff Neal vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov | UFC 285 |
| 4 | Cody Gibson vs. Brad Katona | UFC 292 |
| 3 | Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski | UFC 284 |
| 2 | Irene Aldana vs. Karol Rosa | UFC 296 |
| 1 | Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2 | UFC 290 |
5. Geoff Neal vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov – UFC 285
In a clash between an undefeated welterweight and a veteran contender, Shavkat Rakhmonov faced his toughest challenge yet. The back-and-forth battle showcased Rakhmonov’s striking skills and chin, ultimately ending with a brutal finish via a standing rear-naked choke.
4. Cody Gibson vs. Brad Katona – UFC 292
The bantamweight finale of The Ultimate Fighter season 31 delivered a memorable showdown between Brad Katona and Cody Gibson. The three-round war showcased the fighting spirit of both competitors, with Katona making history as the first two-time TUF winner.
3. Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski – UFC 284
The champion vs. champion superfight between featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski and lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev captivated fans worldwide. Volkanovski proved his worth by putting up a competitive fight, leaving the audience split on who deserved the victory.
2. Irene Aldana vs. Karol Rosa – UFC 296
In an under-the-radar matchup, Irene Aldana and Karol Rosa stole the show with their wild brawl. Aldana showcased her boxing talents, while Rosa displayed incredible resilience. This fight proved that even lesser-known bouts can deliver unforgettable moments.
1. Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2 – UFC 290
Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja’s third showdown was nothing short of extraordinary. The flyweight clash featured a thrilling stand-up battle and a technical ground game. After a grueling 25 minutes, Moreno emerged victorious, solidifying the flyweight division as one of the most entertaining in MMA.
These five fights have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the MMA landscape, showcasing the heart, skill, and determination of the athletes involved. As we look forward to the new year, let’s celebrate these unforgettable battles and anticipate what the future holds for the world of mixed martial arts.
